*Construction begins at north Winnipeg multi-use trail *

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/construction-begins-at-north-winnipe...

CONSTRUCTION is officially underway on a multi-use path in north Winnipeg.

The ground was broken Friday morning, at the site of the Northwest Hydro Corridor Multi-use Path Project, within the hydro corridor between Leila and Church avenues.

Representatives from the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba government, Manitoba Hydro, Trails Manitoba and Bike Winnipeg were on site as construction began on the 2.4-kilometre route.

“It’s a very exciting day, and I know the residents of northwest Winnipeg and residents from across the city are going to benefit from this project. We’re ecstatic, and have been waiting for this for a long time,” said Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan). “The City of Winnipeg is proud to play a leading role in improving pedestrian and cycling facilities, which are a priority for all members of our community.”

The project is one Sharma and her colleagues have been trying to get in motion for years.

“Projects like this, near hydro transmission lines, are complicated. There are many steps to working on a project like this,” she said. “This is something that was absolutely needed. It connects to the network in a very important way and it’s going to provide so many benefits for residents in north Winnipeg and across the city.”

The multi-use path will be 4.5 metres wide and feature lighting, benches, connections to surrounding neighbourhoods and new controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at Leila and Jefferson avenues, and Inkster Boulevard.

“When we embrace the opportunity to invest in our transportation network, we are striving to provide everyone with healthy transportation options that are more important than ever in the climate crisis,” said Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface).

The overall cost of the project is $2.5 million, which includes a grant of $450,000 from Trails Manitoba and the Manitoba government.

The grant is part of an overall $10-million investment by the Manitoba government designed to create social and economic benefits to trail users.

“The Manitoba government is pleased to provide funding to Trails Manitoba to launch this important project that will benefit so many cyclists, pedestrians, and active transportation users of all kinds for generations to come,” said Sarah Guillemard, community wellness minister.

The second project for the grant is a parkway that will connect The Forks and Chief Peguis Trail through a multi-use path. It will receive $150,000.

The first phase of construction on the northwest path will take place this year. The second phase is slated for 2024.

“Both these projects will help us make progress toward our climate change goals, close critical connectivity gaps, and address the long-standing imbalance between north and south Winnipeg in active transportation infrastructure,” Allard said.

bryce.hunt@freepress.mb.ca